On what grounds could Happiness Bakery be held liable after Monty's accident?

Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for the negligent actions of an employee or agent, while they are performing duties within the scope of their employment or agency. In the case of Monty's accident involving Happiness Bakery, if Monty was acting within the scope of his employment when the accident occurred, then the bakery could be held liable for Monty’s actions.

This concept is essential because it reflects the idea that employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are adequately trained and that they conduct their duties safely. If Monty's actions, which led to the accident, can be correlated with the responsibilities he had during his employment at Happiness Bakery, then vicarious liability applies. The bakery would be required to take responsibility for Monty's negligence, assuming all conditions of employment and supervision were met.

Understanding this principle is important for business owners and managers, as it emphasizes the significance of employee training and safety protocols to mitigate potential liabilities that may arise from their employees’ actions.